HIV/AIDS Prevention Pushed for the 50+

Senior centers in New York City and parts of South Florida have added something new to their activities menus—talks on safe sex and condom giveaways. As growing numbers of older adults are diagnosed and living with HIV/AIDS, prevention and counseling services now are being aimed at the 50+ crowd. "It's about time," said Jane Fowler, a 72-year-old Kansas City, Mo., grandmother, who was infected with HIV in her 50s. HIV, short for the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS. After a long marriage ended, Fowler dated and became involved with a male friend, and had unprotected sex. Since being diagnosed in 1991, Fowler has been on a mission to educate older folks about safe sex and HIV/AIDS prevention. … Back to Article